Key designers ushered in a new wave of au courant styles for Spring 2013, from brilliant bursts of color to fashion-conscious silhouettes to gowns that let their tops down—sort of.

Trend: Color

More painterly than ever, many designers splashed their dresses this season with bold strokes of color, including smoldering reds, heavenly blues, and—of course—requisite bridal blushes. "You don't have to wear a white dress anymore," says Brides Fashion Director Rachel Leonard, "but it still has to look like a wedding dress. The trick is to find a color that's flattering to your skin tone, and not everyone looks great in white."